john b 38 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I'm just about to make some more boxes and as we've just started to get a pair of goldfinches visit the garden regularly it would be nice to make one they will use. I can find guidlines for entrance size for most birds but not goldies. Anyone know ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
byron 1,169 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I'm just about to make some more boxes and as we've just started to get a pair of goldfinches visit the garden regularly it would be nice to make one they will use. I can find guidlines for entrance size for most birds but not goldies. Anyone know ? john i think you will find goldfinch dont use/nest boxes Quote Link to post Share on other sites
john b 38 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 john i think you will find goldfinch dont use/nest boxes Well that might explain why I can't find any info then. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ditch_Shitter Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 John; I own a fair collection of Very old books on 'Bird Gardening'. Written by people who had the time, money and land to make a full time thing of it. Ye'd be amazed what Will use the right sort of nest box. But a wild Goldie? I'd eat my f*ckin hat! Never mind though. Have ye access to a hairy Dog or even a donkey? I have both and here's what I do: Every year, I set about Dog and donkey and give them a damn good combing out. Then I gather up all their loose hair and bag it. This I then thrust into the hedges here abouts. Ye'd be amazed to watch the take up! Willow Warblers and Tits to my own 'resident' Goldies. They strip the stuff out and carry it away almost as fast as I can put it out there. So, there ye go. Ye can't provide them with a bedroom. But ye can most certainly give them a good duvet Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trappa 517 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Your spot on there d-s. Our old bullmastiff used to be the worlds hairiest dog, every day i would get at least 3 ton of hair off him which would float around the garden. In the nest making season, loadsa birds would collect the hairs for their nests which was nice to see. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
leegreen 2,152 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I'm just about to make some more boxes and as we've just started to get a pair of goldfinches visit the garden regularly it would be nice to make one they will use. I can find guidlines for entrance size for most birds but not goldies. Anyone know ? Gold Finches nest in a tree next to my shop and they always nest in a small tight fork, a nest made of my goats hair and wool with some moss, very pretty little nests. And yeh I dont think they nest in boxes. sharmon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 You would be better off planting an Elder bush or something similar for the goldies. I can't think of any finch/bunting/pipit that would use a nest box.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
john b 38 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Thanks for all the replies - I shall stick to tit and sparrow boxes then, Oh and maybe a blackbird one Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TUFFTY 1,476 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Blackbirds dont use nest boxes either John. The tit family will, House sparrows (try a terrace) Robins, spotted flycathers and the old dunnock will also. Tree creapers also occasionly use them. Owls and Kestrals. TUFFTY Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TUFFTY 1,476 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Heres a House sparrow terrace nest box, http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/ne...ousesparrow.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
john b 38 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Blackbirds dont use nest boxes either John. Are you sure ? I thought Blackbirds did use boxes; granted open fronted like robins though, not the 'hole in the front' variety http://www.dietecuk.com/garden-birds/nest-.../prod_2663.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 In captivity i think blackies would use them, but in the wild i have never ever known it. I have never seen a dunnock use a nest box either and i have watched them alot....the wrens and tits will use nest boxes to roost in....... treecreepers will only really take boxes if there is nothing else, even then they must have a small slit opening......nuthatches, on the other hand seem to take to them with ease......so im told.... good luck.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ditch_Shitter Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 JB; For Blackbirds, just supply a small, square ledge in an accessable outbuilding. There are other methods of improving natural spots for them. If I ever get time and have a mind for it and / or percieve a demand here, I'll scan some stuff from my library. I actually harbour quite a rabid obsession about nest boxes. Been a bit preoccupied this last few years, but I'll unleash it again one of these days. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
buckshot 53 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 You would be better off planting an Elder bush or something similar for the goldies. I can't think of any finch/bunting/pipit that would use a nest box.... zebra finch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 You would be better off planting an Elder bush or something similar for the goldies. I can't think of any finch/bunting/pipit that would use a nest box.... zebra finch midget Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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